CONTROVERSY AT THE LANE AS MILLERS GO OUT OF THE FA CUP!

Two years ago at Stoke Lane, Loughborough University went out of the Fa Cup on penalties in a dramatic finale as the Millers Triumphed in dramatic fashion.

Revenge must have felt sweet for the visitors following their 1-0 victory on Saturday, but the Millers clearly felt to a man, they had been on the end of some poor refereeing decisions on the day.

Given a couple of robust challenges from Loughborough early on which did not see a card flashed , Carlton defender Lawrence Stuart could feel somewhat unlucky to get a card when he committed a foul just outside the box. Worse was to follow for Lawrence who was then showed a second yellow with a robust challenge where many felt he had got the ball.

People will no doubt make their own opinions when the highlights are shown, but the further denial of what looked clear penalty shouts certainly gave the impression it was not going to be Carlton’s afternoon.

In fairness, the opening goal for Loughborough was scrappy and poor from Carlton’s point of view defensively, but after the sending off in the first half, Carlton rallied in the second period and with only 10 men took the game to Loughborough.

They could not force an equaliser however and when Daryll Thomas blazed over with the last good chance of the game, one knew it was not to be Carlton’s afternoon.

Two more players were sent off in the later stages, one from both sides including Carlton’s Martin Ball, but in truth it had not been a dirty game.

Despite their disappoint at decisions, the Millers wish Loughborough well going forward, they have some talented players and a very solid back line.

The one positive on the afternoon was the fantastic response to the foodbank with a substantial amount of food donated once again and Councillor Paul Wilkinson and Dorothy Mee and her husband Roger expressed their thanks to everyone donating.

Paul himself was the club’s very special guest and spoke to Chairman Mick Garton (pictured) prior to the game in the Howard Mitchell Sportsbar praising the fantastic work Carlton do in the local community with this sort of ongoing initiative, he later took to Twitter to express his feelings on the Millers defeat, it’s fair to say his opinion was universally expressed by Carlton management and supporters.

A defeat, however controversial it is however and the Millers must move on and refocus on the up and coming games with the next one now being an away trip to Consett next Saturday 27th August. Carlton were due to play Stocksbridge Park Steels this coming Tuesday, but that game is off due to an Fa Cup replay.

Carlton are not running a coach for Saturday’s game, due to the distance they are travelling down on the Friday night and also have a game on bank holiday Monday when they are at home to Long Eaton United.